Best Beaches

CHOICE APLENTY

Whatever the prevailing wind or time of day, Devonport offers the chance to find a sheltered and sunny beach. Choose from small stretches of sand at Windsor Reserve or Torpedo Bay on its city side for child-friendly dips or, if the wind is incoming, head to the eastern side of the peninsula for its stunning vistas of dormant volcano Rangitoto island offered at Cheltenham Beach and Narrow Neck.

CHELTENHAM BEACH

At the base of Maungauika/North Head lies Cheltenham Beach, a long stretch of golden sand and calm water. This spot is a favourite among locals for swimming (best at high tide), walks and lazing in the sunshine. From here you have one of the best views of Rangitoto that Devonport has to offer. Near the south end of the beach is McHugh’s restaurant, which is over 100 years old and a popular spot for weddings. It offers buffet lunches Tuesday to Sunday. Nearby, you can walk the stairs that lead to Maungauika, a volcanic cone that was once a Māori pā then became the North Head military fortifications. Once at the top, take in the spectacular views back over the beach and across to Rangitoto. NARROW NECK BEACH Narrow Neck (pictured above) is north of Cheltenham, with the hilltop Fort Takapuna reserve lying between the two beaches. As well as being a good swimming spot, it is home to one of Devonport’s two sailing clubs, the Wakatere Boating Club. This is where children learn to sail so well that some have become Olympians. Local Paul Snow-Hansen sailed in London, Rio and Tokyo. These waters are great for board-sailing too: local Tom Ashley won gold in Beijing. The Devonport Yacht Club, on the city side of Devonport, is one of the oldest in the country.

TORPEDO BAY This little crescent of sand on the city side of the Devonport peninsula is a magic place for an evening dip when the tide is in, catching the sun’s last rays and turning the city skyline into a silhouette. During the day, you can sun yourself while watching the activity on the Waitemata Harbour, including shipping heading to and from the Port of Auckland, or wander across the road to the Devonport Domain, and its small children’s playground. Cheltenham is just five minutes’ walk from here. swimmers. The local swim club runs two ocean-swim events each year: the Round North Head Swim and the Cheltenham Swim from Narrow Neck. Friendly groups leave Narrow Neck Beach early most weekend mornings. For a more casual dip while visiting, you are spoilt for choice. The beach beside Windsor Reserve at the very foot of the village is perfect for a quick dip, with other options extending from Stanley Bay up the east coast to Takapuna and beyond. Many beaches are best close to high tide, but Narrow Neck is good at all times. See our tides table on page 47

OCEAN ENDEAVOURS The waters around the peninsula are popular with organised seaBEST FISHING SPOTS Devonport has three popular fishing spots. From east to west: Torpedo Bay Wharf; the central Victoria Wharf; and Stanley Bay Wharf. Fishing gear can be purchased at Devonport Hammer Hardware, should the urge to fish hit you unexpectedly.